Huawei reverses course on dual-boot Windows, Android phones, won’t do them now

Just this past weekend it was reported by TrustedReviews that Huawei – who makes low-cost Android and Windows Phones – would be making a single, dual boot version for later this year. However, FierceWireless now has a statement from Huawei, and they’re back peddling on the plans, effectively cancelling the device.

In a statement to FierceWireless, Huawei said:

"Huawei Consumer Business Group adopts an open approach towards mobile operating systems to provide a range of choices for consumers. However, most of our products are based on Android OS, [and] at this stage there are no plans to launch a dual-OS smartphone in the near future."

That contradicts an earlier statement by Huawei device CMO Shao Yang who claimed such a device was in the works and would be released in Q2, even in the US market. Huawei also reasserted their interest in Windows Phone, noting if people want them, they will continue to make them.

It’s not clear what exactly made Huawei change their minds, though it’s probably not consumer feedback. Microsoft and perhaps more so Google, are probably not fans of such dual boot options. Indeed, Google has been fairly aggressive about blocking such attempts, even with proposed dual-boot Windows 8 machines.

Huawei's CEO

The idea of a phone that boots either into Android or Windows Phone on paper seems like geek’s dream, but in reality, it’s a pretty rash idea that will only appeal to niche audiences. Having to reboot your phone to do load one OS versus another would have a certain novelty effect, but having dual Stores and choosing which one is preferred is probably just too much choice for consumers. And while there are differences between Android and Windows Phone, those differences in the scheme of things are quite minimal when you consider basic functions that people are using their devices for these days.

Finally, let’s keep in mind that we’re dealing with firms who play loose and fast with their public relations. Saying things publicly only to deny them days later is a mistake by less professional companies, one that signifies attention getting. Because of that, we’re taking the view that until we see a dual boot phone, we won’t believe it. You should too.

Reader comments

Huawei reverses course on dual-boot Windows, Android phones, won’t do them now

to be honest dual boot is a weird thing. Did anyone wondered how the file system would look, would files under android be visible in windows and viceversa, it would be a mess, and lets not start talking about the security issues.

However, I would like to see a device that can be flashed either with Windows or Android (the same device), not dual boot, but the OS of your choice (from factory perhaps), now that would be truly nice. What do you say guys?

Doesn't huawei make low and mid range devices only, cause I don't think it was gonna be any good a cheap dual os smartphone it'll be on low memory all the time and a new kind of lag fest. That's my opinion feel free to comment.

Starting think Google feels GMS Android is not remotely close to wp when it comes to efficiency of the o/s as consumers will make comparisons as it would be easier to do so with a dual boot phone as both o/ses will be running on the same specs. Furthermore with forked android, Google is the one that looses the most.

What a douce bag comment even from you! Nokia name notwithstanding, people will never buy WP if they're unhappy with the OS but people are slowly buying into the platform because word-of-mouth from existing users tell them to buy it. Android would never have dominated the mobile smartphone world if Android displeased the users. Happy consumers are what gives Microsoft and Google own the money they now have.

lol, the more evil Google the more I hate him and the smaller chance that I will buy anythhing with Android in my life is now: 0,000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001 percent :-)

Fck you Google ! I never liked your products and services except search

It seems most of the phones slated for dual boot are lower end devices. Here's a novel idea: just stop with the dual boot thing already. Instead of blowing time, effort, and money on a feature almost no one will use (and will likely be killed before the devices see the light of day anyway), how about using that time, effort, and cash to up the usuable hardware specs a notch or two?

I think it's a bad idea regardless of the platform. It's pretty easy to see the consumer will end up with a device that is to complex for ordinary maintenance. What happens in a situation where a driver/firmware needs to be updated to get android working correctly and now the Company has to test against WP and will likely have to update components on the WP side also. Looks like a recipe for releasing a device that will never be updated to current OS releases.

I really do not understand the point of a dualboot smartphone. Android/WP8. In my opinion WP8 is better, it only lacks apps, but thats matter of time.
I definitely would not buy a dualboot smartphone buy, because I hate Android and I dont want to support it

Definitely google play their part in this. Nonetheless, I won't want a phone with dual boot, it just a waste of time and battery whenever you boot into a different OS, each boot give or take 1-2 minutes and probably 3-5% battery gone then plus the normal usage, don't think the phone will last for even half day.

in my country in the other side of the world say if I get a huawei, I can go to Spain to a Real Madrid or Barcelona match... maybe some people will get it because of that :P.
its like a blackmail but people like soccer here.

I really dont care about it anyways and i can guarantee that the vast majority of people will choose android over vwindows phone if the had the option to which os they wanna boot in their phone...i admit that windows phone is a loooong way to go cause its always a bit far behind in terms of features and app quality , ironically, im still owning a windows phone lol

Lol, the more this dual-boot thing goes on, though it may have been fascinating initially, the more ridiculous it seems. It is not worth the while. It is best there were separate devices running either this or that.

But Microsoft/Nokia can still produce a WP/NokiaX hybrid without worrying about Google pressure. It uses MS services on the hybrid while anding more exposure to apps. It also provides a upgrade path and a transition bridge for the Nokia x users.

If this were the WP7.5 era I would probably say bring it on. But after WP8 came, I completely moved away from Android so for me, no compelling reason, none whatsoever. I don't intend to go back to Android and with WP8.1 around the corner, no intentions left at all.

This really shouldn't be a problem. MS ONLY needs to build high quality fun,productive, feature rich devices. Everyone knows MS tech is hard to beat. Give us what we want.
Anyway I'm not sad about this, maybe other manufacturers but not Huawei. They're really fickle with their public announcements.

I didn't say that. I said MSs' "technology", meaning software. Just come out with a Surface phone and a Surface Lumia with all current high end specs with some only Windows features and they will sell more. I'd never buy anything outside if MS/Nokia/HTC. Hope they come through.

Sad that I have to explain this to you, but here goes...
You said "MS ONLY needs to build high quality, fun, productive, feature rich devices."
That describes high end devices, not devices like the Lumia 520 that is so popular.
Do you understand what I was saying now?

To be honest, 520 is ages ahead of the low end android phones in the market in developing countries. MS should maintain the standard high quality requirements in my opinion, if only to keep its elitist image... Just like apple does. Or better, slash the licensing fees to a bare minimum, and see how people buy their phones. They're too expensive at present, that's why ms is getting hit.

The difference between the lowly 520 and the low-end Android is like night and day. There is no comparison because the 520 feels like premium while the low-end Android is not only lowly but it's also pure crap. The 520 is really a good phone to have and with it's lowly price, there's really nothing to complain about.

Yeah the exact words!One of the many difference is we get a internal storage of abt 6 gb on 520 for use and for paying 50$ more for a cheap Droid you only get abt 2 gb of internal storage(though app data gets stored on sd)!Just sayin!

Exactly. I'm glad there are going to be more entry-level low cost WPs out there. At the MetroPCS store near me, there's a $29.99 L521, no contract. More devices in more hands, means more developer support, means more and better apps. There will always be a need for high-end/flagship devices, but...... Its going to be the inexpensive stuff that makes the biggest impact as far as units and market share go.

I agree with you completely. I am quite tech saavy (Senior Systems Administrator at a major University), but am only interested in a cheap, high-quality cell phone that will run a few basic apps. My Lumia 521, with all of the Bing apps, is a dream come true for me :) I have a tablet and laptop to fill all of my other technology needs.